Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a gem within the expansive Virunga conservation region, which also encompasses the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park can be found in the vibrant town of Kisoro, nestled in the south-western corner of Uganda. Mgahinga transformed from a game reserve into a national park in 1991, primarily to safeguard the mountain gorillas that often faced conflicts with nearby human populations.

Activities in Mgahinga National Park Mgahinga is the smallest national park in Uganda, spanning an area of 34 square kilometers. The park derives its name from the Kinyarwanda term “Gahinga,” which signifies the small lava stones frequently found in gardens nestled at the base of the mountain.

Though a small park, what truly distinguishes Mgahinga is its breathtaking allure. The park boasts a diverse landscape featuring Savannah grasslands, woodlands, tropical forests, montane forests, marshes and swamps, bamboo forests, Afro-montane forests, bogs, and semi-alpine vegetation. The park boasts three majestic, dormant volcanoes – Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura, each inviting exploration and discovery. The majestic mountains are a part of the remarkable Virunga ranges, featuring the iconic peaks of Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo, among others. The presence of the three mountains elevates much of the park to a thrilling altitude ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 metres.

The majestic mountains, embraced by dense forests, shape the climate of the park, inviting regular rains and a refreshing breeze. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park serves as an essential water catchment area. Numerous streams cascade from the Crater, winding through the lakes and swamps atop the mountain, eventually reaching the rivers and lakes below. On the slopes of the mountains, rivers such as Ntebeko, Nyabirerema, and Kabiranyuma flow, providing water to the indigenous tribes residing near the park.

Discover the wonders of Mgahinga National Park, where the majestic mountain gorillas reign supreme. This enchanting park also shelters the rare golden monkeys, along with a vibrant array of wildlife including Vervet monkeys, Spotted hyenas, Serval cats, Red tailed monkeys, Patas monkeys, Mangabeys, Leopards, Golden cats, Forest hogs, Elephants, Bushbucks, Bushbabies, Buffaloes, Blue monkeys, Baboons, and African porcupines, as well as the striking Black and white Colobus monkeys. The park is home to an array of reptiles, featuring snakes, geckos, and chameleons, among others. We will embark on an exciting exploration of the birds shortly.

The Bafumbira, Batwa, and Bakiga are the primary indigenous tribes residing on the fringes of the forest. They engage in subsistence farming on the mountain slopes, utilizing terracing techniques. The growing population and the diminishing opportunities for the Batwa along the Mgahinga trail have, over time, led to increased human encroachment and strain on the park’s land and forest, causing deforestation in regions near human settlements. The bamboo and sub-alpine vegetation at the base and higher elevations of the mountains are still largely preserved. While the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has made strides in curbing poaching, the ongoing population growth among communities surrounding the park poses a significant challenge. UWA has developed community tourism programmes that foster a vibrant connection between the local tribes, park authorities, and the wildlife that inhabits the area.

How to reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park is accessible by road or air from Kampala or Entebbe. The journey from Kampala spans approximately 509 kilometers along smooth, well-maintained tarmac roads. The journey to the park from Kampala along the Mbarara-Masaka-Kampala highway spans approximately 9 hours. Solo adventurers can catch the daily buses from Kampala to Kisoro town. A journey to Mgahinga National Park begins in Kisoro town, where special hires and motorcycles whisk passengers away to the park gate. The journey from Kibale town to Mgahinga National Park is a rugged adventure, filled with dust and bumps along the Murram road. A sturdy 4X4 vehicle is essential for tackling this stretch of road with ease. Although the road from Kampala may appear lengthy, the experience is rewarding due to the stunning landscapes and chances to pause and explore secret gems, including the equator crossing. Accessing Mgahinga National Park is an exciting journey, as you can take the shorter route from Kigali International Airport through either the Katuna or Cyanika border with Uganda. This journey lasts under 4 hours and comes highly recommended. Tourist attractions in Mgahinga National Park have become increasingly popular. Following the rise in gorilla permit prices to $1500 in Rwanda, more visitors are now crossing over to Uganda, where the fee is a more manageable $800.

For those with limited time, a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip in Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip near the park is a great option. Flights from Eagle Air between Entebbe and Kisoro are scheduled every Monday and Friday of the week. It’s essential to secure your tickets for the local flight ahead of time. Tour companies are ready to assist you in securing your local flight and organizing ground transportation from the Kisoro airstrip to the park.

Activities to experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda. One of the perks of exploring Mgahinga National Park is the tranquility that comes with fewer crowds. The entire park invites exploration and excitement at every turn. Some of the activities can be enjoyed spontaneously. Numerous activities can be enjoyed without prior reservations.

Travelers can immerse themselves in a variety of thrilling activities at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, mountain climbing, nature walks, cultural visits, and bird watching, among others. Embark on an exciting journey by exploring our 3 Days gorilla tour in Mgahinga package. Many of these thrilling activities kick off from the visitor center in Ntebeko. The list of activities includes:

Gorilla tracking:

In Bwindi and Mgahinga, Uganda boasts two national parks that offer thrilling mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Approximately 80 mountain gorillas inhabit Mgahinga National Park. Tracking gorillas in Mgahinga National Park reveals a thrilling experience. The gorillas here, residing in high altitudes, have developed thicker, fuzzier coats compared to their counterparts in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In Mgahinga, the Nyakagyezi gorilla group is the sole group welcoming tourists. The Nyakagezi group stands out as one of the two largest habituated mountain gorilla groups in Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. The group was once highly mobile, frequently crossing into Rwanda and even Congo, but for the past five years, they have made Uganda their home. Finding the Nyakagyezi group is quicker than tracking down certain families in Bwindi.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga kicks off at 8 am with an exciting briefing. After the briefing, the park rangers guide visitors on an exciting journey to locate the group. Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park: While tracking the gorillas, prepare to immerse yourself in untouched wilderness, where you’ll come across fascinating primates, vibrant birds, and a variety of other enchanting forest inhabitants. The duration spent tracking the gorillas varies based on the group’s location that day, typically ranging from 2 to 3 hours. Be ready with a great camera to document an incredible wildlife encounter. Are you planning to encounter the primates? Well, the likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas is quite promising. Every tracker should be well-acquainted with the packing list and the guidelines for gorilla trekking. The price for a gorilla permit is $800, available at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kisoro or through a tour operator. The prime season for gorilla trekking occurs from June to August.

Golden Monkey Tracking:

Discover the fascinating world of golden monkeys, a captivating subspecies of blue monkeys. The primates thrive in the unique landscapes of the Albertine Rift and Virunga ranges, found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They appear charming with their stunning golden coats. Golden monkeys are delightful little creatures, with adults tipping the scales at around twenty pounds. These lively and spirited primates thrive in expansive groups, often numbering up to 80 individuals. They thrive high in the treetops, indulging in bamboo shoots and insects along the slopes of the volcanoes. Their primary hunter is the African Eagle.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga National Park is an exhilarating experience. Golden monkeys are among the most sought-after primates by tourists in Africa. Only Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Mgahinga National Park) offer habituated groups that welcome tourists. Tracking golden monkeys can span from thirty minutes to three exhilarating hours. The adventure kicks off at 8am with an exciting briefing. When the rain pours down, the monkeys instinctively seek shelter, as they are unable to hear the approach of eagles. This behavior significantly increases the likelihood of spotting them to an impressive 85%. Once the monkeys are discovered, guests have a thrilling hour to watch the group’s antics and capture stunning photos. There’s an exciting opportunity to embark on the extended golden monkey habituation experience alongside researchers, though it comes with an additional fee. Golden Monkey Permits are priced at $100. Discover more about the exhilarating 2-day golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.

Mountain climbing:

An exhilarating pursuit in Mgahinga is the ascent of one of the three majestic volcanoes nestled within the park – Sabyinyo, Gahinga (3474m), and Muhavura (4127m). Sabinyo is believed to be the most ancient, while Muhavura is considered the most recent. These three volcanoes stand proudly at the crossroads of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Standing tall at 3669 meters, Mount Sabyinyo captivates hikers with its allure as the most sought-after volcano. Standing at the summit of Mount Sabyinyo offers an exhilarating chance to be in three countries—Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda—simultaneously. The ascent of Mount Gahinga is a thrilling journey that takes approximately six hours.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through Mgahinga National Park, where you can conquer the peaks of all three volcanoes in just three days. Scaling the heights of the three volcanoes offers adventurers breathtaking vistas that encompass three countries, the majestic Virunga mountain ranges, serene crater lakes, lush swamps, unique alpine flora, the stunning Rwenzori Mountains, the dense Bwindi impenetrable forest, and the tranquil Lake Edward. It is essential to be mentally ready and physically fit to tackle the challenge of hiking any or all of the volcanoes. While seasoned hikers might breeze through the ascent to these majestic peaks, those new to the trails should ensure they are thoroughly equipped for the journey ahead. Traveling with packed food, water, a sleeping bag, and a tent is essential in case you find yourself spending a night at the top. The fee for ascending each of the volcanoes is $80.

Bird Watching:

Mgahinga National Park offers an exhilarating experience for bird enthusiasts. Mgahinga National Park is home to more than 110 species of birds, thriving in its caves, forests, lakes, and mountains. The prime months for birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are from April to May and October to November. Birdwatching in Mgahinga National Park is an exhilarating experience, as most of the birds nest from November to April, coinciding with the arrival of migrants from Europe during the same months. Among the species to look out for are the Yellow-Vented Bulbul, yellow-throated long claw, White-starred Robin, White-necked raven, White-naped Raven, White-naped Raven, White Starred Robin, Western Green Tinker bird, Wax Bills, Thrush and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Striped breasted Tit, Streaky Seedeater, Stray seedeater, Stone Chat, Speckled Mousebird, Southern Red Bishop, Shelly’s Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Rufous chested swallow, Regal Sunbird, red-throated alethe, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Red necked spur fowl, Pin-tailed whydah, Paradise Fly-catcher, Olive woodpecker, Olive Thrush, Olive Pigeon, Mountain Birding in Mgahinga National Parkmasked apalis, Montane nightjar, Malachite Sunbird, Scarlet-tufted Sunbirds, Kivu-ground Thrush, Ibis, Handsome Francolin, Grey Capped Warbler, Greater Double collard Sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Fly eagle, Firefinch, Fire Finch Stonechat, Dusky Turtle Dove, Dusky crimson wing, Double-collared sunbird, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Crowned Hornbill, Crowned Crane, Collared apalis, Chubb’s Cisticola, Cape Robin-chat, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Brown Woodland Warbler, Bronze Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Blue-headed Coucal, Black-headed Waxbill, Black Kite, Banded Prinia, Archer’s ground robin, Archer’s Robin Chat and Alpine chat.

Nature walks:

The untouched forests, shimmering lakes, winding rivers, mysterious swamps, and majestic mountain slopes of Mgahinga National Park provide ideal locations for exploration. One of the walking trails winds its way up to the stunning village plantations, offering a chance to meet some of the local folks, including the Batwa.

Nature Walks in Mgahinga National Park The border trail on the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo takes you to a remarkable spot where the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo converge. The trail offers an exhilarating five-hour journey through diverse vegetation, presenting chances to encounter primates such as the golden monkeys and to admire the stunning caldera on Gisozi hill. The summit of Gisozi hill presents breathtaking vistas of the park, the Bwindi impenetrable forest, and the majestic Virunga mountain ranges. Some of the trails, such as the 5-hour Sabyinyo gorge walk, offer a challenging experience. This trail takes you through exhilarating steep sections of the park, demanding a solid level of fitness to conquer. The Sabinyo gorge invites you to embark on a winding journey along the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, where you can marvel at the diverse vegetation zones, spot various birds, and gaze upon the majestic volcanoes. As you embark on nature walks or explore the trails, stay vigilant and immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the resident birds and the lively calls of monkeys as they leap from branch to branch. You may just come across one of the rare large mammals, such as antelope and elephants.

The Batwa Trail and Cultural Visit:

In the regions surrounding Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, several tribes call this vibrant landscape home, but none are as captivating as the Batwa people. What’s the reason behind that? Their history is intricately woven with the park. The Batwa thrived in Mghinga forest for millennia as skilled hunters and gatherers until their eviction in 1991, leading to their resettlement on the forest’s fringes. Amidst the forest, everything flowed effortlessly and abundantly. Each morning, they simply rose to embark on thrilling quests to gather honey, forage for fruits, track down animals, or collect leaves from the forest for healing remedies. They could roam freely in the expansive forest, embracing the thrill of exploration without any limitations. The Batwa seldom faced conflicts with other tribes, as most would think twice before venturing into their forest.

The Batwa cultural experience and visit in Mgahinga is a journey that takes you through a world of rich heritage and vibrant traditions. However, this life of plenty abruptly came to an end when the forest was turned into a national park. The government determined that their ongoing presence in the forest was obstructing conservation efforts and posed a risk to the mountain gorillas. Hunting had now transformed into an act deemed poaching by the authorities. The government removed them from the forest and relocated them to areas surrounding and extending beyond the park. Regrettably, their resettlement journey faced challenges, as the Batwa have found it difficult to embrace life beyond the forest. Out of nowhere, they found themselves facing tribes they had long steered clear of for millennia. They had to discover innovative methods for thriving, such as farming and commerce. The Batwa navigate a world where they are often overlooked by other tribes, facing challenges as they seek to coexist amidst territorial tensions. The challenges faced by the Batwa have intensified their struggles, leaving them in a dire state compared to other tribes. Numerous local and international organizations have stepped up to address the challenges faced by the Batwa, launching a variety of livelihood projects and programs. These projects inspire them to explore exciting new avenues for generating income, such as rearing goats, chickens, and beekeeping. Several organizations have taken the initiative to secure land (with titles) for the landless Batwa.

Exploring the Batwa pygmies in Mgahinga offers an incredibly rewarding experience and an opportunity to meet a genuine indigenous African tribe. It receives backing and motivation from organizations such as USAID. During this cultural experience, visitors immerse themselves in the rich history of a past way of life while confronting the exciting challenges of adapting to a new existence beyond the protective embrace of the forest. The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga offers a richer experience than the visit in Bwindi. It is guided by the Batwa themselves and takes place deep within the forest. These Batwa guides will take you on an exciting journey through the forest, sharing their history and revealing how they once thrived as hunters, warriors, and gatherers. They will guide you to the ancient Ngarama caves, where their leaders convened for war meetings and offered sacrifices to their gods.

After venturing through the forest, you find yourself welcomed into their community, where you can immerse yourself in cultural experiences, including the haunting melodies of songs that tell tales of their lost lives, fading traditions, and the challenges of an unfamiliar new world. Spending time with the Batwa can be deeply moving and might lead you to ponder the effectiveness of their resettlement efforts. The Batwa trail is priced at $80. A portion of the funds is allocated directly to the Batwa entertainers and guides, while the remainder supports the community fund, which aids in acquiring books and covering fees for Batwa children.

Places to stay in Mgahinga National Park

Accommodations in Mgahinga National Park offer a variety of hotels and lodges, as it is located next to the enchanting Bwindi Forest. There are lodges located close to the park, in Kisoro and in Kabale town. Numerous hotels are positioned perfectly, allowing guests to use them as launching points for thrilling activities in both national parks. These lodges provide options that accommodate travelers of all budgets, from economical to luxurious experiences. The lodges are designed as simple campsites, bandas, or standard cottages. Given that certain park activities, such as gorilla tracking, begin at the crack of dawn, it’s a smart choice to secure accommodation close to the park offices. Here are a few of the hotels and lodges you can find in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Chameleon Hill Lodge: This exquisite lodge is perched above the stunning Lake Mutanda. The lodge boasts a stunning compound that offers breathtaking views of the three majestic volcanoes in the park. This lodge is perfect for those seeking thrilling experiences like gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey tracking, visiting the Batwa, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda.

Mount Gahinga Rest Camp: This lodge is nestled at the base of the volcanoes, offering stunning vistas of Lake Mutanda and the majestic mountains within the park. There are nine charming grass thatched rooms (bandas) and three inviting tents, each featuring private balconies. In addition to the bandas, visitors have the exciting option to set up their own tents in specially designated areas. Electricity is harnessed through the power of solar panels. The hotel offers a variety of exciting activities, including a visit to the Batwa people. The hotel is situated close to a remarkable area that marks the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Mount Gahinga Lodge: This lodge is operated by Volcanoes Safaris. The lodge is nestled close to the park gate, surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape and offering stunning views of the Virunga Mountains. The hotel features luxurious bandas equipped with a cozy fireplace, perfect for embracing the chilly atmosphere created by the surrounding volcanoes. The accommodations include options for twin, double, or single rooms. Clients are treated to a delightful array of both international and local cuisine throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge: Nestled in the vibrant town of Kisoro, Clouds Mountain offers a luxurious retreat like no other. The lodge features eight charming cottages crafted from stone and adorned with thatched grass roofs. The lodge features twin and single rooms, each thoughtfully arranged with a cozy fireplace.

Traveler’s Nest Hotel: This is one of the historic hotels in Uganda. It is located just beyond Kisoro town, featuring expansive and cozy rooms complete with a fireplace. The hotel is designed to provide breathtaking vistas of the majestic mountains in Mgahinga.

Virunga Hotel: This budget hotel is nestled just behind the park office. The hotel rooms offer a cozy retreat, featuring private showers and inviting, well-kept interiors. In addition, you’ll find a bar, a restaurant, and ample parking available.

Lake Mutanda Campsite: This campsite is perfect for those who cherish the great outdoors and seek to immerse themselves in the authentic essence of the African wilderness. This campsite provides budget-friendly lodging amidst breathtaking views of Lake Mutanda and the majestic volcanoes in the park, creating an incredible setting for exploration.

Mutanda Lake Resort, previously known as Nkuringo Safari Lodge, is nestled on the shores of Lake Mutanda, perfectly situated between Nkuringo and Kisoro. Hotels and Lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National ParkThis location offers residents breathtaking views of the volcanoes and the stunning lake. This resort is perfect for those seeking excellent services without breaking the bank. Mutanda Lake Resort offers tented self-contained rooms, complete with round-the-clock room and laundry services. The rooms are inviting and roomy, each featuring a charming verandah. The Resort offers exhilarating birding trips by boat on Lake Mutanda, thrilling nature walks, and exciting visits to the gorilla highlands and Bwindi forest. Mutanda The resort is perfect for those seeking thrilling experiences while gorilla trekking in either Mgahinga or Bwindi.

Bwindi Jungle Lodge: This lodge is nestled close to the enchanting Lake Mulehe. It is designed with purpose to provide lodging options for travelers heading to both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park.

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp: This budget facility is situated right by the park gate and is operated by the local community surrounding the camp. From the camp, residents are treated to breathtaking vistas of the lush forests and the majestic three volcanoes. The camp features stunning bandas and dormitories that are quite affordable. In the dormitories, residents share bathrooms, though there’s the option to opt for self-contained rooms for a more private experience. Camping is permitted for individuals equipped with their own gear. The meals primarily consist of Ugandan dishes and are enjoyed in the communal area of the camp. A campfire crackles under the starlit sky, inviting guests to gather around for captivating cultural performances by the Batwa. When you book with this camp, you play a part in supporting the community in a meaningful way.